Environmental Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, May 17, 2023

Each year, approximately 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by state health departments. However, CDC reports that recent estimates using other methods suggest that over 475,000 people may get Lyme disease annually in the United States.

Across North America, the disease is caused primarily by a bacterium known as Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks which can attach to any part of the human body. In the northeastern, mid-Atlantic and north-central United States, it is spread primarily by the blacklegged tick. For Pacific Coast states, it is mainly spread by the western blacklegged tick.

To help educate the public and prevent new cases of Lyme disease, the month of May is recognized as National Lyme Disease Awareness Month. May is also the beginning of tick season in many areas.

“Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the country according to the CDC,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, most cases of Lyme disease can be treated successfully with antibiotics, but if left untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. EMSL proudly supports the efforts of National Lyme Disease Awareness Month and is pleased to offer a Lyme Disease Tick Test Kit to evaluate actual ticks for Borrelia burgdorferi using exceptionally sensitive PCR-based DNA analysis.”

Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about National Lyme Disease Awareness Month that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/Hr3UOTRwaNM 

To learn more about testing ticks for Borrelia burgdorferi, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access to Lyme Disease Tick Test Kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.